Solve a Problem with Your Swag

If I had to pinpoint the most successful swag or promotional items, I would say they fall into two categories:

• entertaining
• utilitarian

Above everything else, these are the pieces that fly out of booths that provide the biggest bang for the buck. Sure, you need to match that humor or functionality to your ideal customer, but if we’re speaking in generalities, that’s how to produce a popular promotional product.

 

Why Utilitarian Swag Beats Entertaining

Entertaining items can be funny, fun, or cute. The flying monkeys you always see at trade shows fall into this category. But as popular as these items are, they can also miss the mark if they don’t fit your business. For instance, I don’t care how soft the stuffed animals with the big eyes are, they don’t fit what you’re trying to accomplish as a financial planner. They do fit well if you’re a children’s clinic looking to provide comfort for your young patients.

However, a utilitarian piece of swag works for all audiences and all businesses. Functional trumps funny because everyone has a struggle and there’s generally an item that can help make that just a little better. For instance, we all know we need to drink more water but it seems like just as soon as you fill up a cup of cool refreshing aqua, it’s room temperature. Who wants to drink warm water? Insulated cups can keep your water cold for hours, thus making it more appealing, and easier to get your daily requirement in.

If you can solve a problem for your customer through your swag, s/he is more likely to keep your item. Every time they use it, they will think of you. When they do, they will associate your name with giving them something that solves their problem — even a small one. That goes a long way to making a favorable impression on your potential customer.

Want to know more secrets about promotional marketing? Contact us today.